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THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES ITS ASSAULT ON WOMEN’S ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

January 24, 2020

Media Contact: Robert Julien (DC): Email: Robert.julien@mail.house.gov; Cell: 202-227-0330

WASHINGTON, DC -- On January 22nd, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) announced its approval of a Medicaid family planning program in Texas that bars women from seeking care from healthcare providers that offer abortion services, such as Planned Parenthood.

"It is deeply concerning that in a state with a maternal mortality rate that is higher than many developing countries, our leaders are blocking healthcare from those that are most at risk," Congresswoman Garcia said.

Not only is this a reckless GOP attack on reproductive rights and access to basic healthcare for women, it is also illegal. Federal law protects the rights of Medicaid recipients to seek reproductive healthcare from their provider of choice. This program, ironically called Healthy Texas Women, limits choice and blocks women from getting care at Planned Parenthood. The Trump Administration and Governor Abbott have turned a blind eye to federal law and undermined healthcare for Texas women.

In 2011, Texas turned away millions of dollars of federal family planning funds because they didn't want to include Planned Parenthood in the program. Now, with the Trump Administration on their side, Texas GOP leaders are enabled in their fight against women's healthcare.

Approval of this program, established through what is called the 1115 Medicaid waiver, is the first "defund" waiver of its kind, and it sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of the country.

"I will not stop fighting to protect reproductive rights and expand access to care, and I know our bold partners like Planned Parenthood won't either," the Congresswoman concluded.

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Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in November 2018, becoming the first Latina ever to represent Texas 29th Congressional district.